Voters in the Hopewell Valley approved two bond referendum questions on the Nov. 4 ballot that would provide for $84.2M in renovations to facilities in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District.
According to unofficial vote results provided by Mercer County, Question 1 passed by a margin of 5,917 for and 4,145 against; and Question 2 by a margin of 5,410 for and 4,611 against.
Question 1 covers renovation or replacement projects throughout the district for things like roofs, doors, heating and air conditioning, rest rooms and a cafeteria. The bond would also cover modifications and renovations of driveways, parking lots, walkways and drainage systems in the district.
The costs of all projects covered by Question 1 total $58.4 million, not including a pledge of $19.9 million in state aid if the question passed.
Question 2 covers the addition of 8 to 10 classrooms at Bear Tavern Elementary School, six additional classrooms at Toll Gate Grammar School, and renovations to the nurse’s office at Toll Gate. Question 2 also covers the conversion of existing space at Toll Gate to a physical education office.
Costs for projects in Question 2 amount to $25.8 million, plus additional state aid of $338,321, according to the school district.
“Throughout the process of sharing referendum information, we had the opportunity to see just how much Hopewell Valley schools mean to this community. We are thrilled that we can now make much-needed improvements and expansions to uphold the quality and character of our district,” Rosetta Treece said in a statement sent to Community News. “We thank everyone who voted and can’t wait to get started on projects that will directly benefit students.”
The result is a start turnaround from a year ago, when a similar referendum failed to pass by a margin of 3,204 to 1,473, according to MercerMe.
That referendum, which asked for $87.5 million, included costs for renovation of existing turf fields. Such renovations were not included in the 2025 referendum.
“We appreciate all the community members who took the time to learn about the referendum, ask questions, and vote,” said Anita Williams Galiano, president of the HoVal Board of Education. “Through the strategy of a referendum, we will receive upfront funding to improve our schools and create the space we urgently need. More than $20 million in state aid will ease the impact of the project costs on local taxpayers, which is a win for our whole community.”
